Fundo Alto Nieva is a private reserve in central
northern Peru, and is devoted to conserving the flora and fauna of the
cloud forests of Alto Nieva, in the Region of San Martín. It is located
at exactly kilometre 374 + 200m of the Carretera Belaúnde Terry (the
Belaúnde Terry Highway), between the Abra Patricia Reserve and the
Protected Forest of Alto Mayo.

The ecosystem is dominated by tropical humid montane
forest or cloud forest, and the elevation is between 1,800 and 1,900
metres above sea level.

The vegetation is characterised by short trees that are totally covered
by epiphyte plants and also some areas of reeds and ferns. There are
also many species of orchids growing in their natural setting, as well
as heliconias and bromeliads. Relative humidity can reach 100%.

This is the place to see the rare endemics of this part
of Peru: Long-whiskered Owlet, Ochre-fronted Antpitta, Royal Sunangel,
Rusty-tinged Antpitta, Speckle-breasted Piculet, Inca
Flycatcher and Johnson's
Tody-tyrant. The conservation of these species, and their habitat, is
the Fundo’s primary objective.

To make it easier for visitors to observe the birds
here, we have installed two feeder zones. One is located in secondary
dwarf woodland where you are certain to see the rare and endemic Royal
Sunangel after 08:30 a.m. and the other is in an area of primary forest
where you can see the rare Rufous-vented Whitetip and Greenish Puffleg.
These species are unique and are only found at these feeders where you
can also see Bronzy Inca, Fawn-breasted Brilliant, Booted Racket-tail,
Violet-fronted Brilliant, Speckled Hummingbird, Collared Inca and
Tawny-bellied Hermit.

The feeders have perches and other features to make photography easier.

By road, if you have your own car, via Chiclayo towards
Tarapoto, at kilometre 374 of the Carretera Belaúnde (the Belaúnde
Terry Highway). It’s about 8 hours from Chiclayo.

By road, in public transport, from Lima-Chiclayo-Tarapoto.
You will need to get off the bus at Florida-Pomacochas (km 325) and
from there take a colectivo (shared taxi) to the Fundo as buses do not
have a scheduled stop at the Fundo.

By air, via a flight to Tarapoto. From there you can take
a colectivo with the company ‘Turismo Selva’, which has its offices on
block 13 of Calle Alfonso Ugarte. These go to Pedro Ruiz (which is
further along the road than Fundo Alto Nieva) and depart at 07:00 and
11:00. Another option is to take one of the various
colectivos to Moyobamba (about an hour north of Tarapoto) and from
there take a colectivo with the company ‘Evangelio Poder de Dios’ which
run between Moyobamba and Chachapoyas (again further along the road
than Fundo Alto Nieva). In either case, you need to be dropped off at
kilometre 374 of the Belaúnde Highway.

The entrance to the Fundo is at kilometre 374 + 200 (metres)
of the Belaúnde Terry Highway and has facilities such as toilet, shower
and electricity. Mobile network coverage is very limited, but you can
get a signal in one area. The Fundo has 10 kilometres of trails, which
cover the entire area and there are two feeder areas, each with
different species.

Near the entrance to the Fundo, and adjacent to it, is an
extensive area where you can park, as well as a store with basic goods
and a simple restaurant, owned by Señor Nazario.

Weather

The climate is very humid with an average temperature
throughout the year of 12 to 19 degrees centigrade. As afternoons tend
to be wet, it is recommended to visit the Fundo in the morning between
06:00 and 11:00 and the best months to visit are May-October. See
the state of the weather in the Fundo here.

Practicalities

Entry for the day costs 20 soles and allows visits to the
feeder stations in the company of Kenny and Wilmer, the Fundo’s
wardens. Also, if you want to see particular bird species, we offer a
guide service through the various paths on the Fundo to look for them
in their favoured zones and at special feeders if necessary.

Because the climate is temperate, mosquitoes are not a big
problem. Although the paths are mostly stony, we recommend the use of
waterproof boots.

The site is very secure.

To visit the Fundo, you should contact us in advance to make
arrangements. Night-time visits are restricted and need to be
coordinated in advance. On nocturnal visits the use of flash
photography is prohibited. To arrange a visit, get in touch with us on
the Fundo
Alto Nieva Facebook page here. or email:
pc_guia@yahoo.com